UKSPA Spring Conference 2025 – Exeter Science Park
March 13 @ 8:00 am - March 14 @ 5:00 pm
Free
UKSPA members and stakeholders will gather at Exeter Science Park, on Thursday 13th and Friday 14th March, for the UKSPA Spring Conference 2025. The Conference will be hosted by Exeter Science Park, with the plenary sessions taking place at their dedicated conferencing facilities. There will also be opportunities to tour their state-of-the-art facilities.
Throughout the two days, leading speakers from the UKSPA network and key partners and stakeholders will discuss in-depth the challenges, opportunities, and innovative ways the sector continues to engage, inspire, and grow.
In addition to hearing from numerous key stakeholders in the South West, the Spring Conference will be looking at subjects including, Funding Beyond the Golden Triangle, Effective and Sustainable Incubation Ecosystems, The Journey to Net Zero Carbon Science, Sustainable Facilities and Infrastructure, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion- Inclusive Workspaces, The Procurement Challenge in Volatile Markets.
About Our Hosts
Exeter Science Park, located in the heart of the South West, situated close to the vibrant city of Exeter, is easily accessible from (J29)M5, Exeter Airport and the rail network. Located within a region known for its natural beauty and quality of life, Exeter Science Park offers a unique work environment that combines professional opportunities with a high quality of life for employees and their families. It is a premier destination for STEMM innovation and business growth. and offers state-of-the-art EPC A+ offices, laboratories, and coworking spaces with flexible leases.
Businesses benefit from business growth support, acceleration and innovation support through SetSquared Exeter/Exeter Innovation, networking events, conferencing facilities, and through its partnerships with local universities and research institutions, the park facilitates collaborations that bridge the gap between academic research and commercial applications. Sustainability is at the heart of Exeter Science Park.
The Park provides sustainable office and lab space and a commitment to a net zero carbon footprint, encouraging the use of sustainable transport wherever possible. Both the Ada Lovelace and George Parker Bidder Buildings at the Park are net zero carbon. The new voco Zeal Hotel is a sustainable net zero carbon hotel and will be the conference hotel for the Spring Conference.
Conference Programme
The outline Conference Programme will be available to download shortly.
Directions By Car and Train
Travelling by Car: located strategically at the intersection of the South West’s major north-south (M5 and A38/A380) and east-west (A30) roads, within three miles of Exeter International Airport and within five miles of Exeter St David’s mainline railway station.
Visitor Parking
Access to the Science Park site is via a secure barrier system and car parking operates a number plate recognition system. Parking is available for visitors to the site; at the entrance barriers, visitors should buzz through to the Science Park Centre to be allowed access. Electric vehicle charging points are also available on-site – see the ZapMap here. Visitors can also use the nearby Park and Change car park.
Venue Address: Science Park Centre, Babbage Way, Exeter Science Park, Clyst Honiton, Exeter, EX5 2FN what3words: ///entrust.
Travelling by Train: Exeter St David’s destinations include London (2 hours), Bristol (1.25 hours) and Birmingham (2.5 hours).
Travelling by Air Exeter International Airport’s destinations include UK and European cities.
Taxis: Exeter has an extensive network of Taxis, for those arriving at Exeter St David’s station you will find the Taxi rank at the station entrance.
Drinks Reception and Networking Dinner
A networking drinks reception and informal dinner will be held on the evening of the 13th March.
Hotels
Accommodation will be available at the voco Zeal Exeter Science Park Hotel– the first lifecycle net zero carbon hotel. It has been designed to align with the Net Zero Carbon Buildings Framework Definition of the UK Green Building Council – the membership-led industry network.
The voco Zeal Exeter Science Park is thrilled to extend an exclusive preferential rate for the upcoming UKSPA annual conference. As a net zero carbon hotel, they are committed to providing exceptional hospitality while minimizing our environmental impact. Their eco-conscious approach is seamlessly integrated with solar panel technology, living trees on the ground floor, and an adiabatic heating & cooling system, ensuring your stay is both comfortable and responsible..
Hotel: voco Zeal Exeter
Booking:Please email info@vczealexeter.com with your arrival and departure dates, and any bedroom requirements or preferences. If you are travelling a little further, or looking to make a weekend of the trip, there are a small number of bedrooms available the night before, and the preferential rate can be extended to Sunday, subject to availability.
Arrival Date: 13th March 2025
Departure Date: 14th March 2025
Room Type: Standard Single Occupancy B&B: £105 per night
Sponsorship and Exhibition
We have a number of sponsorship and exhibition opportunities available, please contact Adrian Sell for more details.
Delegate Booking
All UKSPA Members are entitled to up to two free places at the Conference. There are a limited number of non-member places (or for the booking of an additional delegate place for Members) with delegate fees shown in the booking details.